Toyota Hilux review, off road drive: price, features, engine, design – Introduction

Extensively considered the hardest off-roader on this planet, Toyota’s Hilux is nothing lower than an icon. Universally revered for its strong development, indestructible nature, and the truth that many will nonetheless be round lengthy after we’ve upped and left for one more liveable planet, it’s a legend in its personal lifetime. “Examined and revered” by the rebels throughout Africa and, after all, the Taliban, the Hilux is nothing lower than the automotive equal of an AK47 – each efficient and unbreakable on the identical time.

Now we’ve already put the Hilux by means of its paces within the metropolis and on our highways, and we already know what it is prefer to journey in, sit inside and drive on common roads. However what’s it prefer to drive out within the wild, out on an actual off-road trial? Simply how good is it over some actual tough terrain the place you’d want a 4X4, and simply how does it differ from its sister SUV the Fortuner? Each are constructed on the IMV platform in any case.

Toyota Hilux chassis, 4WD system

Whereas the Hilux shares its chassis with the already tough-as-nails Fortuner, additionally it is totally different and significantly extra sturdy. That is very true of the ladder-frame chassis. The longitudinal rails are bigger and wider, the longer rear part is constructed extra robustly and for added power and bending stiffness, the chassis additionally will get extra stout cross members. Toyota engineers, in reality, say they made the chassis “more durable than we will think about”, taking it to the following stage.

Relating to off-roading, the Hilux is constructed on an extended 3,085mm wheelbase, as towards 2,745mm for the Fortuner, and this together with the extra rear overhang, reduces its effectiveness off-road. So whereas the method angle is an effective 29 levels (good off-roaders have round 30), the departure is now 26 levels. These clearance angles, and the truth that it has no lockable entrance diff, imply it’s not fairly a Jeep Wrangler, nonetheless the Toyota ought to handle climbs, rock crawling and basic off-roading fairly simply.

The ladder-frame chassis, which has similarities to the Fortuner’s, is significantly extra sturdy.

The place the Hilux has a bonus off-road is the ‘stay’ rear axle and leaf-sprung suspension. This combo permits for higher axle articulation throughout extra demanding angles, after which what additionally helps is that it will get an digital restricted slip differential on the rear, low vary and a rear diff lock. As well as, there’s additionally hill-descent management and VSC or digital stability management. 

Toyota Hilux off-road potential, efficiency

Our alternatives to check the Hilux off the highway have been restricted to a custom-made set of programs. Nonetheless the expertise was enough to indicate us simply how indestructible it feels off-road and that the Hilux will take you nearly anyplace you possibly can go in an off-roader of an analogous dimension.

Regardless of having no weight over the rear wheels, the Hilux tackles steep ascents with ease.

The primary off-road check for the Hilux is a steep ascent on some damaged ghat roads with loads of sand and gravel on a number of the steeper inclines. And right here we get an opportunity to see how properly the rear manages, particularly as there isn’t a weight over the pushed wheels. Whereas the scale of the truck is obvious on the tighter sections, what’s additionally spectacular is that the traction management reducing in doesn’t trigger a break within the momentum. The 500Nm of torque from the engine makes climbing up really feel easy, and the Hilux’s 204hp diesel simply burbles away at round 2,000rpm, however bear in mind this pick-up weighs round 2.3 tonnes.

With a floor clearance of round 220mm, the Hilux crawls neatly over smoothened river rocks.

Up subsequent is a protracted descent over a rocky river mattress. The Hilux takes to this like a duck to water regardless of the lengthy wheelbase. It does have round 220mm of floor clearance and set in 4 low, it retains crawling neatly over the smoothened river rocks, clambering over like a giant reptile because it heaves itself over some sections. Decreasing the Hilux gently over a number of the larger boulders is necessary, however in any other case it manages what would have been an unimaginable job in a lesser off-roader fairly simply.

700mm of water-wading capability permits the Hilux to cross streams with ease.

Afterward, we get to test the Hilux’s 700mm water-wading capability because it crosses a deep stream with relative ease. And bear in mind this will simply be prolonged by becoming a snorkel in case you are severe about crossing plenty of streams. The Hilux even manages a steep ascent over a gravelly floor fairly simply; the ability, torque and low-range traction making it clamber up what you would wish to go on all fours to climb up your self.

The Hilux can sort out aspect inclines simply.

So clearly, whereas the Hilux isn’t as succesful as a devoted off-roader, it nonetheless is as succesful as most full-sized SUVs, ramp over and departure angle aside. And driving it throughout terrain like this solely makes you wish to load up your tent, kayak, off-road cycles, filth bikes or quad and head into the wild.

Toyota Hilux value, rivals and verdict

Whereas the Hilux looks like it’s in its component over the tough stuff and is nice when you’ve got an outdoorsy life-style, it feels a bit ‘over-specified’ for on a regular basis roads and common use. The leaf spring rear is the largest challenge. Experience is lumpy, fidgety and stressed, and the leaf springs rear usually tosses you round. As soon as you might be used to the additional size, nonetheless, it feels fairly just like a Fortuner to drive over common roads.

A commanding driving place is without doubt one of the Hilux’s strengths.

The steering is a bit heavy, however the torque and response from the motor are excellent for making up gaps in site visitors and what you’ll additionally take pleasure in is the commanding driving place and the flexibility to scare different site visitors witless. Taking U-turns and parking, nonetheless, are one other matter totally; bear in mind this truck is 5.3 metres lengthy… one metre longer than a Hyundai Creta. As well as, the plastic high quality on the black-on-black cabin isn’t nice and the cabin feels extra utilitarian than specified for a automobile that prices Rs 37 lakh (ex-showroom). Isuzu’s V-Cross is round Rs 10 lakh cheaper. You do get a good quantity of package and what makes it sensible is which you can sit 4 in relative consolation.

Nonetheless, the core enchantment of the Hilux is that it’s an off-roader that has the flexibility to hold a seemingly limitless quantity of cargo – round half a ton when you push it. This, in contrast to another off-road automobile at the moment on sale, makes it a extra sensible various, one you need to use to benefit from the nice outside. Toyota additionally gives a number of optionally available extras, like deck lids and covers for the loading bay, and this offers the Hilux added flexibility. There’s little doubt the Hilux exerts appreciable enchantment; so sure, when you clearly need one, do you actually want one? That’s a tougher query to reply.

Additionally see:

Toyota Hilux off-road video overview